EDITOR’S NOTE: In response to a number of published news reports concerning the status of Father Timothy Gorton, the Diocese of Providence issued the following statement:
“The Diocese of Providence takes very seriously allegations of sexual abuse by a member of the church. When allegations of misconduct by Rev. Timothy Gorton were received by the diocese, allegations that date from approximately 30 years ago, law enforcement officials were notified immediately. The Diocesan Review Board, a committee comprised of laity and clergy which is charged with reviewing such allegations, thoroughly studied the matter and provided its recommendations to the diocesan bishop.
As a result of this preliminary study, and in light of persistent health concerns, Father Gorton has retired from the active ministry of the priesthood and his faculties to function as a priest have been revoked by the bishop. In accordance with church law, the matter will be referred to the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome for any further action that might be required.”
It is the policy of the Diocese of Providence to urge any individual with credible information about sexual abuse of minors to report it to law enforcement officials and the Diocesan Office of Education and Compliance at 401-941-0760.
